Universal Ethernet IC With Software Protocol Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple Industrial Ethernet protocols and fieldbus protocols in industrial automation systems poses challenges due to the need for specialized MAC designs and high costs, particularly for low-volume or specialized field devices lacking Ethernet communications capabilities, which complicates network connectivity and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic integrated circuit supporting multiple industrial Ethernet and fieldbus protocols, featuring a processor core, real-time processing module, on-chip RAM, and external memory interface, eliminating the need for external RAM and providing a single hardware platform for automation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Industrial Ethernet protocols are supported through specialized MAC designs, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal MAC design that can operate with multiple Industrial Ethernet protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT) through a single hardware platform. The MAC layer is designed to be protocol-agnostic, supporting different protocols through software configuration rather than requiring specialized hardware for each protocol, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from hardware-based protocol specialization to software-based protocol adaptation. By modifying protocol handling parameters and configurations in the software layer rather than changing MAC hardware design, the system achieves protocol versatility while maintaining simple, standardized hardware architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet communications functionality is incorporated into low-cost field devices, then network connectivity is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hardware platform that can be deployed across multiple device types and protocols. By designing a single MAC implementation that serves multiple Industrial Ethernet protocols, the cost of Ethernet functionality is amortized across a broader product range, making it economically viable for low-cost field devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protocol support capabilities into a single integrated MAC module. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate Ethernet hardware in each protocol implementation, reducing overall component costs and enabling Ethernet connectivity in cost-sensitive applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If fieldbus devices are connected to Industrial Ethernet networks through bridging devices, then network interoperability is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol adaptation functionality from separate bridging devices and integrates it directly into the field devices themselves. Each field device incorporates the capability to speak both fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet protocols natively, eliminating the need for external protocol translation bridges and simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic integrated circuit that supports multiple industrial Ethernet protocols, fieldbus protocols, and industrial application processing, thereby providing a single hardware platform that may be used to build various automation devices/equipment implemented in an industrial network, such as controllers, field devices, network communication nodes, etc. The monolithic integrated circuit may comprise at least one application processor core operable to execute an industrial application and Ethernet connectivity/management code, including standard Ethernet connectivity/management code and industrial Ethernet connectivity/management code; a real time processing module configured to support a plurality of industrial Ethernet data link layers; an interface configured to be coupled to an external non volatile memory from which the at least one application processor is configured for execute in place processing; and on-chip RAM having a capacity sufficient to eliminate the need for external RAM in execution by the at least one application processor core of an operating system, the industrial application, and the Ethernet connectivity/management code.